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Dynamic Quantitative Sensory Testing to Characterize Central Pain Processing
Published on: February 16, 2017
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Temporal changes in pain processing after whiplash injury, based on Quantitative Sensory Testing: A systematic review
Jente Bontinck1,2, Dorine Lenoir1,2, Barbara Cagnie1
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|August 31, 2021
Summary
Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) reveals altered pain processing after whiplash injury, often resolving within three months. Early QST can identify patients at risk for chronic whiplash-associated disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Whiplash injury can lead to chronic pain conditions.
- The pathophysiology of chronic whiplash-associated disorders is not fully understood.
- Temporal changes in pain processing post-injury require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies on temporal changes in pain processing after whiplash injury.
- To identify differences in pain processing between recovering and non-recovering patients.
- To assess the utility of Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) in predicting chronification.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of three electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, Embase).
- Inclusion of studies examining temporal changes in pain processing using QST.
- Risk of bias assessment using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Main Results:
- Altered pain processing is evident within the first month post-injury.
- Pain processing typically normalizes within three months for most patients (59%-78%).
- Thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in the acute phase are indicative of non-recovery.
Conclusions:
- Differences in pain processing between recovering and non-recovering patients are detectable early.
- Early QST screening can identify individuals at high risk for chronification.
- Timely rehabilitation focusing on altered pain processing is crucial in the acute phase.
